June 21, Colombo: The Colombo Crime Division of Sri Lanka Police has been assigned to investigate the early morning fire that completely gutted the NoLimit clothing store in Panadura in Western Province, police spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said.

The police spokesman said two police teams have been appointed to investigate the suspicious fire that broke out at about 3 am this morning and destroyed the clothing store.

The clothing store is a franchise of Sri Lanka's largest NoLimit Fashion store chain owned by a Muslim businessman and it has been speculated that the Buddhist extremists are behind the arson.

However, the police spokesman cautioned for the people not to fall prey for speculations and rumors on the fire. The police had not ruled out an electrical fire since reportedly some electrical repairs were done at the facility during the previous day.

SSP Rohana thanked the clerics of the Muslim community for urging the Muslims at yesterday's Jumma prayers for the people to be calm and restrain from reprisals.

The Spokesman said the Muslim community should be greatly appreciated for acting peacefully despite many speculations and rumors.